Possible Ich

[Spaceman Spiff]

My clown loach today is starting to show possiblue signs of Ich.

Best solution to treat it and what to avoid. I do have ghost shrimp in the tank as well.

The ph of the tank is 6.8, KH & GH 4, nitrates low, nitrites low. Lots of plants. I do a 30-50% waterchange biweekly.

Suggestions?

 

[JWright]

I would reccomend salt *notes collective gasp* . I understand Clowns are salt intolerant, but ich is more so. 1-2 tsp should take care of the ich and your clowns won't even notice.

Just make sure you add it slowly. I would reccomend you keep it in there for at least 2 weeks (preferably more). Remeber to replace the salt you take out with you water changes.

HTH,
JOsh

 

[dattack]

I had a case of ich with my clown loaches too and bought a product recommended on the board called Rid-Ich.  Seems to be doing a good job without ill-effect to the plants.  I used half dosing just to be on the safe side.  I didn't see any of my shrimps die but they were eventually eaten by all my loaches anyways.  What a waste!  I also increase the temp to 80 degrees to speed up the parasitic cycle also.  You might have to treat for a longer time then recommended because the medicine's main point is to treat the water infestation of ich and not necessarily the fish.